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On August 8th, 2015, Chattanooga FC played host to the NPSL final game at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga, TN.
However, they finished with a lower points per game record than their opponents the New York Cosmos B.
Why was Chattanooga allowed to host the game?
According to the Chattanooga FC Website, New York Cosmos B did indeed have the better record, and therefore right of refusal for home-field advantage, but they agreed to play the match in Chattanooga.
Immediately following Saturday’s matches, work began to determine the best location for the 2015 Championship game. While their #1 seed gives the NY Cosmos B the right of refusal for home-field advantage, Chattanooga was able to secure the home field advantage, with the Championship to be played at Finley Stadium’s Davenport Field on Saturday, August 8 at 7:30pm.
They also give a couple of reasons why NY Cosmos agreed to this, which could be summarized as "bums on seats".
While there were a number of factors at play, according to CFC board member Tim Kelly, one of the most persuading arguments to bring the game to Chattanooga was the combination of a world-class soccer facility and the strongest fan base in the NPSL.
“In a league where most teams enjoy the regular support of a few hundred fans, our fan-base here Chattanooga is envied—and our partnership with Finley stadium insures a great experience for fans and players alike. Teams want to play here.”
Reading between the lines, especially the words "work began" in the first quote, I think that means that the teams negotiated that a share of that gate money (18,227 fans attended, a national record for an amateur match) went also to NY Cosmos B, and this share was more than they would have got by holding the match at home.
